Has Denzel Washington Gotten the Credit He Deserves?

American Gangster is lining up to be a great movie. The combination of Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe along with other good actors such as Cuba Gooding Jr. has lots of Oscar talk surrounding this movie. But with yet another great performance by Washington sure to come many wonder has he truly gotten his just do in Hollywood. With so many great performances to his credit, Washington has only received an Oscar as a lead actor for his performance in Training Day. While this was a good performance many would agree that it is not near his best. Has Hollywood overlooked Washington. Here is some food for thought.

Early in Denzel's career he had two performances that were Oscar worthy. In the movie Philadelphia Washington played along another great actor in Tom Hanks. Washington plays a lawyer who defends Hanks character Andrew Beckett, a gay lawyer who has AIDS. Beckett is fired from his firm when they learn of his condition. Washington turned in an amazing performance that really overshadowed an average script. Denzel gave another incredible performance in the movie the Hurricane. In this movie Washington played a boxer who was falsely accused of a murder. The movie details the life of Ruben 'Hurricane' Carter and how he fought to get out of jail. Washington turned in an amazing performance virtually transforming himself into the "Hurricane." With every scene you feel Washington is Ruben Carter. Washington delivers an incredible performance in one scene in which he refuses to put on inmate clothes even after being in the 'hole' for weeks. Despite such incredible performances Washington received no Oscar's.

It has often been wondered if Washington was being overlooked because of his nature to play more positive roles. Remember the Titans has to be considered one of the best sports movies of all time yet Washington received no Oscar for the performance. John Q and Antwone Fisher are also amazing positive performances of good characters. Both have been over looked by Oscar voters. Washington's lone lead actor Oscar was for the movie Training Day. In Training Day Denzel plays a crooked cop who lies, steels and kills just to survive. Furthermore he teaches his tactics to others. While a great transformation, his character certainly was not a good guy. Washington finally was recognized with this film, but only after a number of positive good guy performances were forgotten for one bad boy performance.

It's only fair to bring up the issue of race when discussing Denzel. Would a white actor who turned in performances like Denzel's in Malcom X and Bone Collector, be without a lead actor Oscar. Considering he was the first black male to receive such an honor the question is certainly fair.

No one can deny that Denzel Washington is one of the greatest actors ever. Hopefully as his career continues with new movies like American Gangster, opening November 2nd, Washington will receive more Oscar's. Hopefully his lack of recognition will not cause his great films to be overlooked!